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Solar Powered Airplane Takes Flight
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Sky's The Limit!
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An experimental airplane in Switzerland, powered only by rays from the sun, completed a 24 hour flight in July of 2010.
The "Solar Impulse" proves that overnight solar-powered flight is possible.
Clear blue skies meant that the prototype aircraft was able to soak up plenty of solar energy as it made a gradual ascent to a final altitude to 27,900 feet (8,500 meters) and then flew in darkness using energy stored up during the day.
The president and CEO of Solar Impulse says: "We're not trying to create a revolution in air transport, but a revolution in the mindset of people when they think about renewable energy."
Although this aircraft only weighs as much as a medium sized car, it is truly an astounding feat, and should broaden our perception of what is possible going forward.
--Bibi Farber
This video was produced by Al- Jazeera English TV